Lucida Surfaces offers a range of flooring products, including GlueCore, MaxCore, and BaseCore, designed for both residential and commercial applications. Proper installation and adherence to maintenance guidelines are crucial for validating the product warranty and ensuring long-term performance. This article details the installation process, care instructions, and warranty considerations based on available documentation.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before commencing installation, several preparatory steps are essential. The documentation emphasizes the importance of assessing the subfloor for moisture content and ensuring suitable environmental conditions. A moisture test must be performed to determine if excessive moisture exists in the subfloor. When installing over concrete, a calcium chloride moisture test is required; readings exceeding 5 lbs/1,000 sq. ft./24 hours are unacceptable. Alternatively, a moisture meter reading greater than 4.5% is considered unacceptable.
A critical warning is issued regarding the potential presence of asbestos in existing flooring. Unless confirmed as asbestos-free, existing floor coverings should be presumed to contain asbestos. Regulations may dictate testing and specific removal procedures. The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication, “Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings,” provides detailed instructions for safe removal and disposal. Precautions should be taken to avoid creating dust during removal, as inhalation poses a cancer and respiratory hazard, particularly for smokers.
Installation Procedures
The provided documentation outlines general installation requirements. Tools required include spacers, a rubber mallet, a ruler, a pencil, a tape measure, and a utility knife. Specific installation instructions vary depending on the product line (GlueCore, MaxCore, etc.), and users should consult the appropriate product manual available from Lucida Surfaces.
For installations utilizing adhesive, a waiting period of five days is mandated before using a wet mop to allow the adhesive to fully bond to both the subfloor and the flooring material. Any excessive adhesive should be wiped up immediately after installation using a damp cloth. Dried adhesive can be removed with a plastic scraper; metallic or sharp scrapers should not be used to avoid damaging the flooring. After installation, the area should be dry-mopped or vacuumed to remove debris and dirt. Protection of the installed floor during other construction activities is also recommended, as damage caused by other trades is not covered under warranty.
Post-Installation Care and Maintenance
Maintaining Lucida Surfaces flooring requires adherence to specific care guidelines to validate the warranty. Both before and after installation, the flooring must be maintained within specified environmental conditions as outlined in the product’s installation guide.
Routine cleaning involves dry-mopping or vacuuming to remove loose debris. For wet cleaning, the documentation specifies waiting five days after adhesive installation before using a wet mop. A comprehensive care and maintenance guide is available for MaxCore flooring products, outlining procedures for both residential and commercial applications.
Addressing Common Issues
The documentation addresses potential issues that may arise after installation. Loose tiles in GlueCore flooring can be addressed by gently heating them with a hot air blower to increase flexibility. A utility knife is then used to cut a line through the middle of the plank, allowing for removal with a thin putty knife. The area is cleaned of old adhesive, new adhesive is applied, and the replacement tile is set in place and rolled with a hand roller to ensure a secure bond.
Minor scratches on Lucida GlueCore flooring can often be minimized using a gentle floor cleaner and a microfiber cloth. For deeper scratches, a repair kit specifically designed for LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring is recommended to fill and conceal the damage.
To prevent indentations from heavy furniture, the use of protective floor matting is recommended, particularly in entrances. This is considered mandatory for commercial applications.
Warranty Information
Lucida Surfaces provides an Exclusive Warranty for its flooring products, covering both residential and commercial applications. Validation of the warranty is contingent upon following the provided care and maintenance guide.
Claims under the warranty must be made before the end of the applicable warranty period, accompanied by proof of purchase, including the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship, subject to specific conditions. If a claim is accepted, Lucida Surfaces will, at its option, repair or replace the affected flooring material. If the original design is no longer available, a refund of the purchase price may be offered.
The warranty specifically excludes damage caused by improper installation, failure to perform required moisture tests, use of inappropriate vapor barriers (polyethylene film over wood subfloors), and damage caused by other trades during installation. Proper installation must adhere to Lucida Surfaces’ instructions, obtainable from a retailer or at www.LucidaSurfaces.com.
Product Resources and Support
Lucida Surfaces provides a variety of resources to assist customers with installation, care, and warranty information. Catalogs, product manuals, installation guides, care and maintenance guides, and technical specifications are available for various product lines, including Gluecore Classic, Gluecore Mosaic, Gluecore Pres, Gluecore Fab, and BaseCore.
Customers can contact Lucida Surfaces directly with any questions or concerns. Customer support is available via email at [email protected]. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are also available online, addressing common issues such as fixing loose tiles and addressing scratches.
Conclusion
Lucida Surfaces flooring offers a durable and low-maintenance flooring solution when installed and maintained correctly. Adherence to the provided installation guidelines, including thorough subfloor preparation and moisture testing, is paramount. Following the recommended care and maintenance procedures is essential for validating the warranty and ensuring the longevity of the flooring. Utilizing available resources, such as product manuals and customer support, will contribute to a successful installation and a satisfactory flooring experience.